Tonight at WWE’s Battleground, Natalya became the new number one contender to Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s Title.
Natalya won the title opportunity during tonight’s Five Way Elimination match that included Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Lana and Tamina.
At the start of the match, a scramble between the five Superstars broke out but the team of Lana and Tamina worked together to clear the ring of their opponents. The duo would then target Charlotte specifically, using the numbers game to their advantage until a returning Becky Lynch made the save.
After coming to Charlotte’s aid, Becky took on Charlotte one-on-one until Natalya found her way back to the ring. Natalya would try to score the first elimination over Charlotte via Sharpshooter but Lana made the rescue – in an attempt to pick up the win for herself.
No @TaminaSnuka to save @LanaWWE now…or the other way around for that matter! @BeckyLynchWWE just tapped out BOTH! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/oiN4DT2xYA
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
Instead, Lana found herself caught in Becky’s Dis-Arm-Her to which Tamina was able to make the save for. Switching gears, Becky trapped the same hold onto Tamina, thus forcing the second generation Superstar to tap out for the first elimination of the match. Becky reapplied the Dis-Arm-Her hold onto Lana for the second elimination of the match.
Just seconds later, the third elimination occurred when Natalya was able to roll up Becky from behind with a handful of tights, leaving Natalya and Charlotte as the final two competitors to the match.
IT'S OVER! @NatbyNature eliminates @MsCharlotteWWE to earn a #SDLive #WomensTitle opportunity at @SummerSlam! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/tiPRz4mzTt
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017
After nearly putting Natalya away with a powerbomb, Charlotte would go for a top rope moonsault but Natalya countered out by getting her knees up. Natalya followed up by throwing Charlotte’s head to the bottom turnbuckle for the win.
See you at @SummerSlam… #WWEBattleground @NatbyNature @NaomiWWE pic.twitter.com/3vfeIi7j3Q
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017
Post match, the SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi, who was sitting at commentary throughout the match, entered the ring in an attempt to offer a congratulated handshake to Natalya but was turned down.
Natalya will get her shot to the SmackDown Women’s Title at WWE’s SummerSlam, which takes place Sunday, August 20th.
What did you think of the match?
